Legislative deference

Definition

Legislative deference is the phenomenon where legislative bodies increasingly yield their decision-making authority to other branches of government, such as the executive or judiciary. This trend can lead to a decline in the direct influence and power of legislatures in shaping laws and policies.

Related terms

Separation of powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Executive overreach: A situation where the executive branch exceeds its constitutionally granted powers, often filling gaps left by legislative inaction or deference.

Judicial activism: The act of courts making decisions that are seen as being based on personal opinion, rather than existing law, potentially encroaching upon legislative responsibilities